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Women's Football Yeovil captain Curson leaves club to focus on teaching

Yeovil captain Ellie Curson

YEOVIL’S 2016 title-winning captain Ellie Curson announced today that she would quit to focus on her job as a primary school teacher.

Curson said she wouldn’t be able to stay with Yeovil when the team goes full-time next season in the Women’s Super League, saying that her “work commitments do not allow me to train full-time.”

Curson told the club’s website: “This has probably been the hardest decision I have ever had to make as Yeovil Town has been a huge part of my life for the past few years.”

But with the demands on her time, Curson said: “It now feels like the right decision for everyone involved. I am a primary school teacher and this profession doesn’t allow me to train full-time due to the demand of my role.

“The club has already achieved a huge amount of success and I can only wish that this continues. I truly wish the club all of the best for the rest of the season and for the future. I am hoping to attend some games to support the girls or will be watching the results closely.

“I would like to especially thank Stephen” Allinson, the club chair, “and the board for their efforts in achieving WSL 1 status for next season, and would also like to make a special mention to both Trevor Jenkins and Jamie Sherwood, whose passion and determination for this club to develop and progress is faultless.”

Curson said she would seek “a club at the start of next season, where I will be able to combine my career with training and playing part-time.”

Manager Sherwood said: “It’s hard to think of a starting XI or squad without Ellie in it, as she has been a huge part of the team’s success.”

Sherwood would not be surprised if more players, and staff, followed Curson out the door over the club’s decision to go full-time.

“Even though I do not like this decision, I respect it, as Ellie is a player I have worked with and supported since the age of 11 and I know how much this decision hurts, but is right for her future career as a teacher.

“All players and staff will be facing a crossroads throughout the remainder of this season as we transition towards a full-time programme.”